I'm thrilled to introduce a brand-new contemporary romance series from Harlequin, one that's unlike any series we currently publish. The name of this program is Harlequin Everlasting. We'll be launching in February 2007, with two books per month — and we're ready to start acquiring. We invite submissions from both published and unpublished writers.

To put it succinctly, the novels in this series will follow the life and relationship/s of one couple. The books will therefore span considerably more time than the typical series romance  it could be years or even an entire lifetime. The focus of Harlequin Everlasting is on much more of the characters' lives, not just the weeks or months during which the romantic relationship develops and its initial resolution takes place.

We are looking for emotionally intense stories with a strong emphasis on well-rendered and psychologically credible characters (who influence each other's lives over time). The series will be open to a wide range of plots and situations; each story will require a significant conflict that creates urgency, excitement and momentum. Structurally, there will be many more options  interesting and nonlinear ways of structuring the story  than the traditional series romance typically allows. The narrative can start at any point, can include diaries or letters, can move freely back and forth in time, etc. Points of view can vary  and first-person narrative can be used.

We're looking for writers who can create a complex and believable world for the characters and their romance. We want to see an individual and engaging style that is appropriate to the scope of the story. Above all, we want you to write a romance that matters  a sweeping narrative, a memorable story that touches the reader emotionally.

See our guidelines below for further information.

Thank you,
Paula Eykelhof
Executive Editor

We offer storytelling freedom within the following basic parameters.

Each story is, at its core, a romance  one that progresses and changes over time (probably, but not necessarily, within the context of a marriage).

Harlequin Everlasting novels explore a relationship over a period of years  even an entire lifetime. An Harlequin Everlasting is the history of a romance.

The focus of the story will be on the central romantic relationship but, needless to say, other relationships can enter into it.

The story is likely to be dramatic (although not melodramatic); however, there will be room for a variety of tones within it, including comedic elements where appropriate.

An Harlequin Everlasting must be emotionally gripping.

Characterization is of paramount importance. Key characters must be psychologically credible, clearly delineated, sympathetic and complex.

The narrative structure does not need to be linear. The story can start at any point in the relationship, can include diaries and letters, can move back and forth in time, can be framed by the present  or even shown through the perspective of another character.

Points of view can vary, as appropriate. First person can certainly be used.

The ending of an Harlequin Everlasting does not have to be the conventional "happy ending" of series romance but must satisfy the reader emotionally and intellectually.